Blues will be ready, says Scotland

Defensive pressure will be a major focus for Heath Scotland and his fellow Carlton midfielders ahead of the round-one AFL clash against Richmond.It was a glaring weakness on Sunday when North Melbourne beat the Blues by 16 points, leaving Carlton with a 0-5 pre-season.

While Scotland said they are not worried about their form, he admits aspects of Carlton’s gameplan need work ahead of their traditional March 29 opener against the Tigers.

Scotland said the Blues’ midfield had to accept some of the responsibility for Drew Petrie’s match-winning seven goals, with the Kangaroos able to give him too many marking opportunities.

‘‘We have to be stronger in the air, but we have to support as a midfield as well,’’ he said.